The Complete Foreigner’s Guide to KTX & SRT: Korea’s High-Speed Trains (2026)
Your ultimate step-by-step guide to riding South Korea’s bullet trains — routes, prices, discounts, booking, and tips Planning a trip to South Korea? Learn everything about KTX and SRT high-speed trains — how to book, ticket prices, foreigner discounts, first class benefits, and travel tips. Updated for 2026. What Are KTX and SRT? Korea’s Two High-Speed Rail Systems If you’re traveling across South Korea, two words will quickly become your best friends: KTX and SRT . These are the country’s two high-speed rail services, and they are widely considered the most efficient, comfortable, and convenient way to move between major cities like Seoul, Busan, Gwangju, and Gangneung. KTX (Korea Train Express) is operated by Korail, the national railway operator, and has been running since 2004. It departs primarily from Seoul Station and Yongsan Station in central Seoul, as well as Cheongnyangni Station for certain routes. KTX trains reach speeds of up to 305 km/h (190 mph) , makin...